Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Chronic Diarrhea

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare non-hereditary disease characterized by chronic diarrhea, diffuse intestinal polyposis and onychodystrophy. We present here a case of a middle-aged female who presented with chronic intermittent bloody diarrhea associated alopecia and loss of finger and toe nails. Labs were remarkable for microcytic anemia and severe hypoalbuminemia. Endoscopy showed numerous polyps scattered throughout the colon. She was treated with nutritional support and corticosteroid with complete resolution of her symptoms and endoscopic findings. CCS is associated with high mortality and gastrointestinal malignancies. Clinicians should consider CCS in a patient with unexplained chronic diarrhea and ectodermal abnormalities.